The Marans' rise as media moguls and their stranglehold over the southern skies was spectacular evoking awe as well as indignation. Their empire includes Sun TV Network with 20 channels and 45 FM channels, direct-to-home (DTH) service, two newspapers and four magazines apart from film production, distribution business besides and aviation.
In 2004, the DMK wrested the telecom ministry and Dayanidhi was catapulted to Sanchar Bhawan. But much before the Aircel-Maxis controversy, Dayanidhi faced the allegation of threatening the Tata Group to part with stakes in Tata Sky, the DTH service which was in direct competition with Sun DTH.
